Fayetteville is a city in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and is best known for being a military town. It’s home of Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation northwest of the city, and it’s been awarded the All-American City Award, which recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders. Fayetteville has been nicknamed the “City of Dogwoods” because of the beautiful dogwood trees that bloom throughout the city each spring.
With an estimated population of 211,657, Fort Bragg is the backbone of the county’s economy. Fort Bragg and Pope Field pump about $4.5 billion a year into the region’s economy, making Fayetteville the region’s hub for shops, restaurants, services, lodging, health care, and entertainment.
Let’s explore all that Fayetteville, North Carolina has to offer!
Living in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville is a military town, which means there are a lot of families moving in and out of the area. There are plenty of things to do in Fayetteville whether you’re into outdoor activities, nightlife, or shopping. The city has over 38 miles of trails and greenways, as well as three lakes that are perfect for fishing, swimming, or kayaking. If you’re looking for nightlife, downtown Fayetteville offers a variety of bars and restaurants. Or if you prefer shopping, Cross Creek Mall is the largest mall in Cumberland County with over 100 stores.
The Weather of Fayetteville
Fayetteville has a humid subtropical climate, which means the summers are hot and humid and the winters are mild. The average high in July is 89 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In January, the average high is 58 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s what to expect each season:
- Spring: March through May are the months when Fayetteville starts to bloom. The average high is 71 degrees Fahrenheit in March and 86 degrees Fahrenheit in May.
- Summer: June through August are the hottest months in Fayetteville with an average high of 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fall: September through November are the months when the weather starts to cool down again. The leaves also start changing color during this time. The average high in September is 83 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high in November is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Winter: December through February are the coldest months in Fayetteville with an average low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it does snow occasionally during winter so you might get to enjoy a white Christmas.
What’s the Cost of Living in Fayetteville, North Carolina?
The cost of living in Fayetteville is 7 percent lower than the national average, according to Payscale.com. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, your average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Housing in Fayetteville is 29 percent lower than the national average, so it’s a great place to think about buying your first home at an affordable price.
- The median home price is $247,758
- The median rent is $776.12 / month
- The cost of a loaf of bread is around $3.20
- The cost of a gallon of milk is around $3.61
The Job Market in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville’s job market is strong due to the presence of Fort Bragg. The top industries in Fayetteville are education, healthcare, and retail. Some of the largest employers in Fayetteville are Cumberland County Schools, Cape Fear Valley Health System, Walmart, and Fort Bragg.
Fayetteville has seen the job market increase by 1.0% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 30.2%, which is lower than the US average of 33.5%, according to BestPlaces.net.
Is Fayetteville, North Carolina Safe?
Fayetteville is a safe place to live. The violent crime rate in Fayetteville is lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is also lower than the national average. Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Fayetteville are 1 in 100 compared to North Carolina overall where that number is 1 in 235, according to Neighborhood Scout. You can review an entire crime report for Fayetteville by visiting this full report.
How Are Schools in Fayetteville, NC?
The schools in Fayetteville are highly rated. The Cumberland County School District is the largest public school district in North Carolina with over 50 schools. Some of the top-rated schools in Cumberland County are Max Abbott Middle School, Lewis Chapel Middle School, and Pine Forest High School.
Fayetteville is also home to several private schools such as Fayetteville Academy, a college preparatory school that has been consistently ranked as one of the best private high schools in North Carolina.
To learn more about the schools and their ratings, you can visit this report by GreatSchools.org.
The Dogwoods of Fayetteville
Fayetteville is nicknamed “The City of Dogwoods” because of the abundance of dogwood trees that bloom in the spring. Dogwoods are North Carolina’s state flower, and you can see them blooming all over Fayetteville during March and April. If you’re moving to Fayetteville during this time, make sure to pack your allergy medicine!
Because the Dogwoods are so prominent and popular in Fayetteville, the city has held a festival in honor of the blooming trees for the last 40 years. The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a two-weekend event that celebrates the blooming of the dogwoods. The festival features live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and much more. It’s a great way to experience all that Fayetteville has to offer and meet new people in your community.
Things to Do in Fayetteville, North Carolina
There are plenty of things to do in Fayetteville, NC. If you’re a nature lover, you can explore one of the many hiking trails or paddle down the Cape Fear River. Or, if you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can check out one of the many art galleries or catch a show at the Crown Theater. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to do in Fayetteville!
Hiking Trails
With over 750 miles of themed driving trails, it’s safe to say America’s Hometown is steeped in history. Whether exploring the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens on the All-American Adventure trail, taking in a live theater production at the Cape Fear Regional Theater on the Patri-Arts & Gardens trail, or visiting the sites that our namesake Marquis de Lafayette visited on his grand tour on the Lafayette Trail, Fayetteville/Cumberland County has the perfect route planned for whatever your interest might be.
Golf
Fayetteville is home to some of the best golf courses in North Carolina! If you’re looking for a challenging game, you can play at one of the many championship courses such as King’s Grant Golf Club or Cypress Lakes Golf Club. Or, if you’re just starting, you can try your hand at one of the many public courses such as Gates Four Golf & Country Club or Paradise Valley Par-Three Course.
Breweries
Cumberland County happens to be home to six distinguished breweries – ready to welcome you to America’s Hometown with a perfect pour of memorable craft brew. Stop by one of our breweries and enjoy Cumberland County’s delicious craft brews. Learn more about the local hops by going to the Fayetteville website.
Nightlife
Fayetteville’s nightlife scene is vibrant and alive! You can start your evening at one of the many bars or pubs, such as The Goat Bar, and then head to a club or dance the night away at one of the many live music venues. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can catch a movie at the IMAX Theater or bowl a few games at B&B Lanes.
Moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live with plenty of things to do, then Fayetteville, North Carolina may be the perfect place for you. With a strong job market and a low cost of living, Fayetteville is a great place to settle down. Plus, it’s a beautiful city with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
If you’re looking to move to Fayetteville, but are having trouble storing your belongings while you get moved into an apartment or a new home, there are some great options available in town.
Badger Box Storage is Fayetteville’s local moving resource providing mobile storage units for just these types of situations. Rather than moving your belongings into a traditional storage unit only to end up moving them again, we can store everything in a mobile unit. This mobile storage container can stay at the property of your choice, or we can keep it at our facility until you’re ready to move into your permanent home.
Once you’re ready to move your belongings into your new apartment or home, a team member from Badger Box Storage will deliver your container to your new place. From there, you can unpack your boxes at your leisure, without feeling like you have to rush to do it all in one day.
If you’re moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and need to store your belongings in a mobile storage container, just contact us! We’re here to help!
